Ceres Rail Company

Ceres Rail Company Steam train trips to epic destinations, keeping this scenic & historic mode of transport thriving. A must-do!
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Keeping this unique, scenic, & historic mode of transportation alive & thriving in the Cape with special trips aboard our steam trains to epic destinations.

Meet the team #4: Reggie, Coach Controller, since 2017 (on the railways since he was 16)Reggie has spent all his life o...
29/07/2026

Meet the team #4: Reggie, Coach Controller, since 2017 (on the railways since he was 16)

Reggie has spent all his life on South Africa's railways - He started at 16 as a messenger at the South African Railways, at "Paul Sauer" as the Railway Administration Building in Cape Town was known. At 18 he asked to become an electric train driver and was sent to the Salt River electric locomotive depot. He went to college, qualified as an assistant, then a senior assistant, and then a train driver, working goods trains up to Touwsrivier.

At 39 he wrote his matric exams and moved to D F Malan airport as a supervisor loading aircraft. In 1993, at 43, he was retrenched with 31 years of service behind him.

Then, in 2017, he came back to the tracks and joined our team when it was Atlantic Rail.

Ask Reggie about his favourite part of being a Coach Controller and he talks about the passengers, about looking after them, and putting their safety first, always. He enjoys answering their questions so they can settle in and enjoy the adventure of being onboard.

In his own words:

"I love working for Ceres Rail and am very proud to be one of the staff within this great Ceres Rail family."

Thank you, Reggie. We are glad you are with us.

28/07/2026

We did "The Train to Matjiesfontein" this past weekend, and it was an interesting ride!

We were the first revenue generating train to run on the mainline between Wellington and Matjiesfontein since the floods in early May, and with that came a journey that was slower than expected; the sun was setting as the train exited the Hex River tunnels.

Being the first time we had run this trip, with all its moving parts (train, accommodation, food, star gazing, etc), there were a good many issues to sort out and a few unexpected twists and turns that put our team into problem solving mode. Our team did an amazing job of taking care of our passengers, and did everything in their power to make their journey a memorable one.

Thank you to our passengers for being supportive and understanding - we could not have done it without you!

Now, we prepare for the next trip in October (only 10 places left on that one!), and polishing the experience.

Edited: Coach Stories #2: Type L-44 4913, 4914, 4917, 4919 and 17786 – “Kerkies”- 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘙𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴...
27/07/2026

Edited: Coach Stories #2: Type L-44 4913, 4914, 4917, 4919 and 17786 – “Kerkies”
- 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘙𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴

“Type L” (maybe for LONG, straight and upright (humour implied) – these were among coach types known colloquially to railway staff as “Kerkies” – a reference to the narrow pew-type seats these coaches were equipped with. The "L" actually referenced first-class coaches.

The design origins go back a long way – high density suburban-type coaches were part of the scene since railways began in South Africa in the 1860s. The requirement has always been the same – to get the maximum number of people onto a train with the minimum number of coaches! Thankfully, this is no longer a requirement for our passengers, and they can spread themselves out in comfort and style with the cushions provided.

Built in the 1950s, these 1st Class coaches were designed to accommodate 88 passengers (10 to a bay, instead of our 6…) plus another 15 standing. In comparison, the equivalent L-45 2nd Class coach was designed for 120 passengers seated with 18 standing, and no toilets.

These coaches were built by Metro Cammell in Great Britain – their length is 19.8m and weight varies from 32.4 to 33.2 t

The ‘49s’ were rescued from Waterval Boven and put to use by Ceres Rail in 2019.

Coach 17786 was refurbished from an empty shell in 2017, and was put to use in Cape Town on the Simonstown line. This coach was recently used in a movie shoot and was equipped with a counter and extra compartments for filming. At the finish of shooting, it was decided to retain one compartment and the counter which is now our new coffee bar!

Do you have any memories of traveling in the "kerkies" when they still ran on the day-to-day commuter services?

Meet the team #3: Rina - Hostess - since 2021, started with us in 2013.You'll meet Rina before you meet the train. She'...
24/07/2026

Meet the team #3: Rina - Hostess - since 2021, started with us in 2013.

You'll meet Rina before you meet the train. She's the one at check-in welcoming you, and the one who appears beside your seat throughout the day to ask how you are getting on.

Rina has now worked 420 trip days (many of those with more than one trip on a day), and had more than 91 000 passengers on the trains she's been hostess on. That is 420 mornings on a platform, and countless guests looked after from the first hello to the last goodbye.

She started with us selling cupcakes and coffee onboard, before becoming a coach controller on our Atlantic Rail trains to Simonstown and Spier, and then moved into the hostess role in 2021. The onboard team you meet today has been largely shaped by her hand. She has trained them, guided them, and set the tone they carry down the train.

Before every trip, she gives the crew the same instruction:

"Make your smile contagious."

She is also the person you want when something goes sideways. Rina thinks quickly, solves problems on her feet, and has turned many a difficult moment into one a guest ends up remembering fondly.

Thank you, Rina, we're glad you're on our team!

PS. What are your memories of Rina on our trains?

24/07/2026

Some of our first guests arriving for our Train to Matjiesfontein this morning!

This Heritage Day, we are taking the braai to Darling Cellars - and we're bringing Nic Stevens along!Thursday 24 Septemb...
23/07/2026

This Heritage Day, we are taking the braai to Darling Cellars - and we're bringing Nic Stevens along!

Thursday 24 September sees us taking a Picnic Train from Cape Town to Darling Cellars at Mamre Weg (about 10km from Darling).

You spend the afternoon at the cellar with braai fires burning, Darling Cellars wine, Nic Stevens performing live and space for the children to jump and slide, then we bring you home again. Nobody has to drive.

Your ticket includes the return train journey, a welcome drink on departure, complimentary Darling Cellars wine sampling onboard, braai fires at the cellar, the jumping castle and water slides for the children, and the live performance by Nic Stevens.

Bring your own picnic and braai meat, or pre-order a braai pack (R150 per person) or a picnic box for two (R450) or four (R620) when you book.

Please note that no drinks of any kind may be brought along; the train has a bar, snacks and barista coffee, and the cellar sells wine by the glass and bottle, with a Darling Breweries beer stand on the day. The train is cashless, so bring a card.

📅 Thursday 24 September 2026 (Heritage Day)
🚆 Depart Cape Town 08h00 (check-in from 07h00), back approx. 17h30
🎟️ Adults R799, pensioners R699, children R650, aged 3 and under travel free

🔗 Book at www.ceresrail.co.za, or [email protected], or via call/WhatsApp on 079 401 9353

NB: This train is diesel-hauled. Regretfully the experience is not wheelchair accessible.

GOOD NEWS - We've launched an additional date for "The Canola Train" - 10 August at 13h30 (Public Holiday)We were overwh...
21/07/2026

GOOD NEWS - We've launched an additional date for "The Canola Train" - 10 August at 13h30 (Public Holiday)

We were overwhelmed by how quickly the first Canola Train SOLD OUT (in 4 days), so we decided we had to do another one!

On Monday 10 August 2026, climb aboard the Canola Train for a relaxed return journey from Botrivier to Caledon and back, rolling through the canola fields of the Overberg.

This diesel-hauled trip is built around the journey itself. Open windows, fresh Overberg air, the rhythm of the rails, and photo after photo framed in yellow and green.

Bring your own picnic basket; a bar, coffee, and a selection of drinks and snacks are available onboard throughout.

📅 Monday 10 August 2026
🕐 Depart Botrivier 13h30, back by 17h15
📍 Check in at Botrivier Station
🎟️ Adults R450 · Pensioners R399 (60+) · Children R350 (ages 4 to 17) · Infants free

Book at www.ceresrail.co.za, or WhatsApp/Call 079 401 9353

20/07/2026

Depot Diaries #6: When the Passengers leave…

When you leave the train after your trip, our team’s day is by no means done - this weekend’s Botrivier trips being no exception.

After the final trip for the weekend, the crew prepares to depart back to Cape Town with a shunt, Vacuum brake test, and issuance of Load Certificates to the driver.

See what life is like onboard in the dead of night with only crew around.

What memories do you have of late night trains?

👋Meet the team #2: Pitso, Rolling Stock, Locomotive and General Maintenance, since 2024 (and before)Pitso is one of our...
17/07/2026

👋Meet the team #2: Pitso, Rolling Stock, Locomotive and General Maintenance, since 2024 (and before)

Pitso is one of our team members who looks after our rolling stock, locomotives, and so many other things. He often makes an appearance on General Duties on our trains. He joined us permanently in 2024 and has quietly become one of the people this operation leans heavily on.

Pitso's commitment to the task at hand, and his dedication in getting things done is truly remarkable.

Thank you, Pitso. We are glad you are on our team!

**If you see Pitso around, give him a high-five - he deserves it.

Have you met Pitso onboard before?

NEW TRIP - The Canola Train - Botrivier to Caledon - 1 trip only - 8 August 2026!The canola is already starting to bloom...
15/07/2026

NEW TRIP - The Canola Train - Botrivier to Caledon - 1 trip only - 8 August 2026!

The canola is already starting to bloom, and in three weeks time, the fields should be radiant in their full golden yellow glory. Some of you suggested a trip through the canola fields, and we thought it was a brilliant idea - so here it is!

On Saturday 8 August 2026, climb aboard the Canola Train for a relaxed return journey from Botrivier to Caledon and back, rolling through the canola fields of the Overberg.

This diesel-hauled trip is built around the journey itself. Open windows, fresh Overberg air, the rhythm of the rails, and photo after photo framed in yellow and green.

Bring your own picnic basket; a bar, coffee, and a selection of drinks and snacks are available onboard throughout.

📅 Saturday 8 August 2026
🕐 Depart Botrivier 13h30, back by 17h15
📍 Check in at Botrivier Station

🎟️ Adults R450 · Pensioners R399 (60+) · Children R350 (ages 4 to 17) · Infants free

Book at www.ceresrail.co.za, or WhatsApp/Call 079 401 9353

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Dockrail Road
Cape Town
8001

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 15:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 15:00
Thursday 09:00 - 15:00
Friday 09:00 - 15:00

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